The Greater Allegheny Athletic Department Seeing Some Changes in 2014-2015

Aug 26, 2014

McKeesport, Pa. - The Penn State Greater Allegheny Athletic
Department has undergone some remodeling to kick-off the 2014-2015
academic year.

Assistant Athletic Director and women's volleyball head coach
Tracy Gibbs has moved into the Interim Director of Athletics
position, after previous Athletic Director, Jim Chester, went to
Lock Haven University to pursue a career as head coach of it's
baseball program.

"Things are really exciting around our Athletic Department
this year", said Gibbs. "There is so much potential in the
air at Greater Allegheny, both contributed from a few great
additions in staff, alongside the start of our fall athletic
programs. With well over 100 athletes on campus, there is
really a buzz about our programs and an aura of excitement around
the players and coaches."

Gibbs added, "Both the men's and women's soccer teams are
off to a strong start in their second season as a program at the
branch campus. Volleyball and cross country are both eager to
prove their program's strength and growth from previous
seasons."

Alongside the responsibilities of being the Athletic
Director for nine intercollegiate athletic sports, Gibbs is the
head coach of the volleyball team. "This 2014 volleyball
season is ready for big things. With a strong team, the Lady
Lions are ready to officially kick-off their
season this
Friday. We have a great core of returning
players and some fierce freshman this year. The ladies are
focused and hungry for the opportunity to really reach their
potential as a team."

Sports Information Director Amanda Baldinger has stepped
in not only to assist Gibbs with the Athletic Department duties,
but also took over as the head coach of the women's soccer program.
"I am very fortunate to be asked to help out with athletics at
Greater Allegheny. With nine sports and a small Athletic Department
staff, there is so much going on everyday and every little bit of
help counts. I look forward to big things not only for the athletic
department, but also for the women's soccer program."

"There are big things brewing here at Greater Allegheny
and I am very excited to be apart of the process," said coach
Baldinger.

With Baldinger comes Missy Baldwin, a fellow Bethany
alumni eager to assist and educate the young ladies about the
sport. "Having the opportunity to contribute to the foundation of
an up-and-coming program is something to be desired," said Baldwin.
"The area of opportunity for this program is very exciting. The
attitude of our student-athletes is contagious, making this road to
being a technically sound team that much more
fulfilling."

Tyler Care comes to the GA Athletic Department as the head
coach of the men's basketball program. Care said, "New to Greater
Allegheny, everyone has been very supportive making it an easier
transition from California University of Pennsylvania. I am
very excited for the year ahead as it should be a good one. I have
big expectations from the group of men, as the team returns a solid
core to the hardwood."

Assistant coach Eric Kuczma steps in as interim head coach
of the men's baseball team. "I’m very excited for the
opportunity", said Kuczma. "I’ve been lucky enough to
be a part of the program’s success for the past two seasons
alongside a great staff."

Kuczma completes, "Following Coach Chester leaves me with big
shoes to fill, but I’ll do my best to keep the program moving
in the same direction. We have a strong core of returning
players and a good freshman class, and I know the guys are looking
to get the fall workouts started and getting their work in."

Lastly, head coach Jen Smith will be taking over the women's
softball program solely this year. She shared the title last season
with Amanda Maksin, who was with the program for five seasons.

Smith has been apart of the program since Maksin has and states,
"It will definitely be a different experience without Amanda. We
worked well together and so the dynamic will change a
bit."

"I am very eager to continue on with the development of skills
with the girls who come out to the Greater Allegheny softball team.
I enjoy being able to coach and teach the girls new skills because
we are all improving together. The returning players are already
recruiting on campus and new girls are already showing interest in
coming out for the team. Big things are going to continue for the
GA softball team in the 2014-15 season," said Smith.

The Penn State Greater Allegheny Athletic Department sees their
first competition this upcoming Friday, as the women's volleyball
team travels to Penn State Beaver to hold a USCAA Tournament. Thier
first match is against PSU Beaver at 4 p.m. followed by a match
against Rochester University at 6 p.m.